5 effective methods for attracting the best talent to your business

11 April 2017 - 3:48pm

Your business is only as successful as your employees. But finding and keeping the best talent in your industry isn't an easy feat - in fact, it's one that countless Australian businesses struggle with.

A recent Manpower Group global business survey found that 40 per cent of businesses were having extreme difficulty filling positions (that's the highest response since the 2007 survey). The team at HICA understand the struggle better than most, and we know full well that our employees are what makes us so good at what we do.

To help you find the same success, here are five useful tips for hiring and keeping the best talent in your industry.

Hiring good employees can be challenging in competitive industries.

1. Offer clear career progression

Offering static positions with limited career development is an easy way to suffer high turnover and scare off the best talent when hiring. That's why it's essential to not just offer career progression, but also lay out a clear road map for ambitious employees to follow in order to advance.

A recent Robert Walters survey found that 63 per cent of employees thought this was extremely important in a new role, so spending time to improve development opportunities at your business could quickly pay dividends.

2. Improve the company culture

A Hudson Talent Insights report recently revealed that 42 per cent of Australian employees are unhappy with their level of pay.

The best prospects want to be involved in a company with a positive and innovative work culture that genuinely cares about its employees.

That's what Mecca Brands strives to achieve every day, and it's why they were ranked as the fourth best place to work in the world by global workplace consultants Great Place To Work Australia.

The facts back this up too - in a 2016 Deloitte Global Human Capital Trends report, 94 per cent of respondents said that culture was extremely important to hiring and keeping good talent. Taking the time to build yours could be key to your business' success.

3. Pay more than your competitors

This one's obvious, but a Hudson Talent Insights report recently revealed that 42 per cent of Australian employees are unhappy with their level of pay. Considering the size of this group it's very likely that at least one of your valued employees feels the same way.

When hiring, take this into account and research what your competitors are paying for similar roles. Beating their offer by as little as $1,000 per annum could be all it takes to make the difference and hire the best employees.

4. Offer flexible working conditions

The world is changing and so should your business. In many industries, from newly paperless accounting firms to marketing agencies, workers simply don't need to be at their desks from nine to five.

That explains why more and more Australian employees are requesting flexible working arrangements - 52 per cent in the last year, according to CPA Australia. Offering the chance to work from home when needed, or offering adjustable schedules could help you attract and keep those employees that really make a difference.

The ability to work flexibly is attractive to most employees.

5. Offer the extras that prospects want

The role of the employer is changing along with the Australian workweek. The relationship is no longer as simple as an exchange of time and expertise for money, meaning that you as an employer have more of an obligation to help your workers.

There are countless benefits that can help you retain the best people in your industry, but we believe corporate health insurance ranks among the best. By offering a comprehensive health plan with HICA, you'll foster a healthier, more productive and more supportive workplace.

Get in touch today to find out more about how corporate health insurance can help you improve your workplace.